when should you call kepro?

• If you are not ready to be discharged from the hospital.
• If your Medicare skilled services are ending too soon. Examples of skilled services include things like physical therapy and nursing services.
• If you have a concern about the quality of care you received.
• If you have a concern about your medical care that needs to be taken care of right away.

Click on the link below for the phone number for your state. These services are free for people who have Medicare. 

Kepro Telephone Numbers

february is american heart month

February is American Heart Month! While you should always take extra care of your heart, this is a good time to read up about heart health.

When visiting our Heart Month page, look under the section called Resources for Everyone. There you will find a list of websites where you can get more information about heart health.

Websites include the American Heart Association where you can find heart-healthy recipes, cooking skills videos, and a variety of articles. The articles give tips about how to eat healthy as well as eating to lose weight.

Read more about Heart Month: www.keproqio.com/heartmonth

medicare news and updates

Kepro closely monitors news and updates from Medicare. This allows us to pass along important information to you.

Here are some of the latest updates along with some helpful reminders:

Learn how the prescription drug law impacts Medicare. A prescription drug law went into effect on January 1, 2023. Some exciting news is that it will help save money for people with Medicare! This law improved access to affordable treatments and strengthened the Medicare program.

Read more: Saving Money With the Prescription Drug Law

Medicare Changes Coming in 2024. This article from the AARP website talks about changes in 2024. Differences include premiums and deductibles, prescription drugs, and Medicare Advantage changes.

Read more: Big Changes Coming to Medicare in 2024

The website also has another interesting Medicare-related article: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Medicare

Getting a replacement Medicare card. Was your Medicare card was lost, stolen, or destroyed? Don't panic! You can ask for a replacement card from Social Security.

Read more: How do I get a new Medicare card if my card is lost, stolen, or destroyed?

You can also print an official copy of your card from your secure Medicare account or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

in this issue:

important information to keep close by

In the December 2023 newsletter issue, we talked about New Year’s resolutions. Focusing on things you can do to support your health is very important. Part of that is making the most of your Medicare rights and benefits.

Medicare publishes a handbook each year called Medicare & You. This useful publication includes facts about what’s new with Medicare and your rights as someone with Medicare.

Did you get the most recent Medicare & You?

At this point, you should have received your copy in the mail last September. This comes directly from Medicare. However, if you didn’t get it or need another copy, don't fret! You can get one from www.medicare.gov. The handbook is available in a variety of languages and different formats, such as large print.

You should keep your handbook as a reference. It has important information about:

• Medicare benefits, costs, rights, and protections
• Health and drug plans
• Answers to common questions

Kepro also has resources to help you get the most out of your Medicare rights and benefits. As you read through the information, feel free to print out items you think may be useful for the future.

Wallet cards. This is a great way to keep Kepro’s telephone number handy. If you ever need Kepro's free services, simply check your wallet! If you’re not familiar with what we offer, please visit our web page which gives you an overview of services.

Please be sure to print out the wallet card for your state: Wallet cards (PDF)

Helpful phone numbers. Sometimes it can be confusing to decide which phone number to call when you’re looking for information. There are different phone numbers for things like Medicare billing questions, assistance programs, and Medicare fraud. Therefore, we would like to make it easier.

This list will help you find the right numbers to call: Helpful phone numbers (PDF)

A good place to keep these documents is with your Medicare handbook. Things happen, and you never know when you will need this information.

did you know that kepro has a podcast?

It is current! It is hip! It's a podcast! Wait... What's a podcast?

A podcast is similar to a radio talk show. But with podcasts, you can listen to them anytime you want. No more missing out just because you tuned in a few minutes late!

You can listen to podcasts on your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

People tend to listen to podcasts while they're doing something else – riding in a car, cleaning the house, or if you want just something on in the background while you’re at home.

Kepro has a podcast called Aging Health Matters. It’s another way to learn more about Kepro’s free services as well as other healthcare topics.

Here are some episodes to give you an idea of what you can learn about:

• How Kepro's Immediate Advocacy services help people who have Medicare
• How SHIPS help people who have Medicare
  (SHIP stands for State Health Insurance Assistance Program)
• Area Agencies on Aging: Learn About the Benefits for Older Adults
• Health Literacy, Learn How to Find and Use Health Information

New episodes are usually available every month. So don't forget to tune in (whenever it's convenient, of course).

Check out the podcast: Aging Health Matters podcast

Publication No. R146810-340-2/2024. This material was prepared by Kepro, a Medicare Quality Improvement Organization under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The contents presented do not necessarily reflect CMS policy.